Growth hormone enhances regeneration of nNOS-containing nerve fibers in the aged rat penis
Huang, X.; Hu, L.-Q.; Tian, B.-Q.
Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue 11(2): 98-100
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1009-3591 PMID: 15755025 Document Number: 594927
To investigate the effects of growth hormone (GH) on the erectile function and the number of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) -containing nerve fibers in the penis of aged rats. Twenty-four aged male SD rats (18 months) were randomized into 2 groups: GH intervention group and control group. After four and eight weeks, a half of each group were selected and tested for erectile function after apomorphine (APO) injection and then sacrificed for the detection of nNOS-containing nerve fibers in the penis by streptavidin-peroxidase conjugated method (SP method). After four weeks, the erectile function and the number of nNOS-containing nerve fibers showed no significant difference between the GH intervention group and the control group (P > 0.05). After eight weeks, the erection frequency was significantly different (P < 0.05) between the two groups, while the erection rate was not. The number of nNOS-containing nerve fibers in the GH intervention group was significantly larger than that in the control group (P < 0.01). GH enhances the regeneration of nNOS-containing nerve fibers in the penis and improves the erectile function of the aged rat.